Ford often ascribes his slowness of reading to dyslexia, but I don’t believe him; there must be 48 hours in his day to our 24. He also claims to be a slow writer, and likewise his books should be read slowly. To which I add, Richard Ford books must be held, savoured, and not listened…

If you like reading, have been giving writing a go, hold mild opinions/attitudes about politics, or are bemused about modern (online) life, you need this book not to feel alone in this world, to know your sentiments/reactions/feelings are shared by many. Whether the tiny book is filled with gentle humour or LOL moments will depend…

Perhaps you have seen the small stack at VOLUME, or sample stories posted on VOLUME’s Facebook page. This is a beautifully designed book of famous and not-so-famous women from around the world, with their achievements told on the left page, followed by their portraits in diverse styles on the right. Where else can you read…

A simple, concise explanation for an oft-over-complicated theory, this is a lovely introduction to the study of physics for babies living with bewildered, perplexed, or mystified grownups, particularly those in need of explanation with pictures. Light-weight board, rounded corners, and wipeable pages make this volume human-friendly.

Whether Vincent van Gogh cut off his entire ear or only the lobe is the central theme of the book, but the investigative approach was what made this book different from other van Gogh biographies, which usually rely on anecdotes, letters, psychological/medical opinions or scientific analysis of paints and brush strokes. The book could have…

There are so many “how to keep a beautiful journal” books on the market, many containing much too beautiful examples (they discourage all but the already-accomplished and the truly-brave). This book, while visually just as attractive, shows how someone whose main focus is writing uses both text and collages to save ideas and record her…

I bought this book last week and couldn’t put it down. I love mythology books and this is about the life (albeit eternal) of Hel, the Queen of Hel in Norse mythology. Banished to Hel by Odin she spends most of her time brooding on the wrongs done to her. Brilliant book, and the funny…